OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — Live Free OKC is on a mission to prevent gun violence and they believe they have an alternative solution, launching Oklahoma’s first community intervention program. “What we know is that less than 1% of a city’s population is usually responsible for almost 60% of the gun related shootings and homicides,” said Pastor Mike McBride, Executive Director of [...]
In this Op-Ed, authors Michael McBride and Ciera Bates-Chamberlain emphasize the need for local leaders to invest in violence prevention and address the root causes of violence, rather than solely focusing on banning "ghost guns." They acknowledge President Joe Biden's efforts to address ghost guns, which are untraceable firearms, but argue that it is not enough to combat the issue in [...]
Meet a pastor working within a broad ecosystem of peacemakers committed to curbing Oakland's homicides through anti-gun #violence work Pastor Mike McBride and his colleagues took proactive action to address the issue of gun violence via LIVE FREE. This movement aims to tackle the root causes of gun violence through building community organizing campaigns and direct service programs that intervene with [...]
On Monday, May 8, 2023, a significant event took place in Central Florida as community advocates, politicians, and law enforcement officials gathered for a Gun Violence Prevention Summit. With recent incidents of gun violence sparking debates across the nation, the summit aimed to address this critical issue. Hosted by State Attorney Monique Worrell, the event emphasized the importance of collaboration between [...]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HBlC7uYedXk Listen to Toni McNeil of Faith In the Valley San Joaquin share how community organizing can help youth create opportunity to disrupt their mindsets and make decisions while thinking of the bigger picture. My name is Toni McNeil. I was born and raised in Stockton, California. I was raised, trained, cultivated, developed and well kept by the Concrete. I [...]
https://youtu.be/atXt9kLbKIw Black Church Rocks panel with Rev. Mark Thompson, Rev. Tony Lee, Dr. Tifani Blakes & Krystal Knight This panel features reflections by Rev. Mark Thompson, Rev. Tony Lee, Dr. Tifani Blakes and Krystal Knight. For information on the Black Church Pac visit blackchurchpac.org UNLEASHING CONGREGATIONS TO SET PEOPLE FREE As people of faith, we know that our country’s legacy of [...]
Exploring the life and work of artist Kehinde Wiley, this film takes viewers on a journey from Wiley’s upbringing in South Central Los Angeles to his ascent as one of the world’s most iconic visual artists. Featuring interviews with the artist, his twin brother Taiwo Wiley, and his close friend and fellow artist Mickalene Thomas, the film supports the exhibition An [...]
As peacemakers, the LIVE FREE community knows achieving peace in our time is possible. It will require tremendous effort, collaboration, and compromise from all involved. Peaceful solutions to conflicts must be sought, and all actors must be willing to compromise and take steps toward a mutually beneficial resolution. https://youtu.be/nWSjPZ9MeAI In this abridged version of Pastor Mike McBride's TEDx talk delivered on [...]
Live Free OKC: community members and police talk about Tyre Nichols Tyre Nichols videos show what happened in fatal Memphis traffic stop beating Several protestors across the nation are coming together after the Memphis Police Department released bodycam footage of the fatal beating of Tyre Nichols by officers at the department.Community members used this opportunity to express their concerns to local [...]
On his first day in office, President Biden signed Executive Order 13985, Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government. That Order emphasized the enormous human costs of systemic racism and persistent poverty, and provided a powerful and unprecedented mandate for all federal agencies to launch a whole-of-government approach to equity. Over the past two years, agencies have [...]
